Disc valves

Abstract

A valve assembly having a plurality of coaxial disposed bores, a central one thereof being slightly enlarged in diameter and accommodating a plurality of ring inserts for cooperation with a number of thin disc valve members each carrying an O-ring seal in a rectangular peripheral groove. The valve assembly includes at least two ports communicating with the enlarged interior bore on opposite sides of the annular ring insert, and at least one axial aperture extends through the side walls of the groove of the disc valves to enable release of pressure otherwise existing under the O-ring seal.

I claim: 
     
       1. A valve comprising a disc member defining a generally rectangular groove about the periphery thereof, a resilient seal disposed in said groove in contact with the side walls thereof, said disc member further defining at least one aperture extending through both side walls of said rectangular groove adjacent the bottom thereof whereby fluid pressure on both upstream and downstream sides of said dic member may be released. 
     
     
       2. The valve as recited in claim 1 wherein said aperture comprises a circular hole. 
     
     
       3. The valve as recited in claim 1 wherein said aperture comprises a groove. 
     
     
       4. The valve as recited in claim 1 wherein said disc member is radially tapered such that the side walls thereof meet the side walls of said rectangular groove. 
     
     
       5. The valve as recited in claim 1 further including a valve stem extending axially through the center of said disc in fixed relationship therewith. 
     
     
       6. The valve as recited in claim 1 wherein said aperture opens both above and below said seal in said rectangular groove. 
     
     
       7. A valve comprising a disc member defining a flat, cylindrical sealing surface about its periphery, a resilient seal disposed about said sealing surface, and a plurality of seal holding fingers projecting radially outwardly from said disc on both sides of said sealing surface to define a generally rectangular seal receiving groove, said fingers on each side of said sealing surface defining axial fluid pressure releasing grooves therebetween.